05 Dec 40 Techniques
My goodness – I’m loving the R.S.V.P.s coming in for the 2014 RTW Fast!
Whether one is stuck in an RTW rut, ready to improve sewing skills or just enjoys the thrill of owning a unique wardrobe, the RTW is gaining momentum and I’m delighted to take the plunge with so many dedicated sewists 🙂
I also hope those readers not ready to take such drastic measures will cheer us on through our trials and tribulations as well as our triumphs.
_______________________________
What’s happened to my sewing, you might wonder?
As of today I have a bonafide sewing room!
I made do by sewing in the abandoned play/computer/date room and storing most of my notions in the garage, but it was time to build a wall around my mess and get organized. The contractors finished yesterday and I have a little decorating left to do before proclaiming it finished. The good news is I can start sewing again now!
In the meantime I bought a Craftsy class that I have found very helpful entitled,
40 Techniques Every Sewer Should Know – Gail Yellen
Gail Yellen takes us a step beyond the basics by demonstrating how to get professional results and I am thrilled to have access to her expert tips.
This is one of those classes that shows me how much I have to learn – about everything sewing. It is designed to build confidence by perfecting basic techniques and introducing new notions, accessories and skills. I have a few more lessons to watch but so far I find the class very worthwhile. I’m happy to pass along tips as I learn them but you might want the class for your own reference.
Many lessons have impressed me so far:
- Gail works magic with the iron. Seriously, the iron is used to shape sleeves and curves and through an assortment of pressing accessories, she demonstrates how to use the iron like I’ve never seen before.
- Her topstitching tips are enlightening but simple. It just took watching someone do it correctly to help me understand my shortcomings. (The same with under stitching.)
- The importance of gently handling any curved seam
- While I won’t go through every lesson I really enjoyed the one using elastic thread in the bobbin for shirring. I’m determined to duplicate my Lilly Pulitzer Elsa top in 2014 and now I believe I’ll have a better chance at being successful 🙂
- I’m most excited about learning how to apply bindings.
So while the class doesn’t provide instructions for a specific garment, I find it an excellent investment to apply to all of my garment sewing, and the better I get the more I enjoy sewing.
Until soon, and hopefully with a new garment 🙂
Disclosure: Recently I became a Craftsy affiliate and receive compensation when you purchase classes or join Craftsy. I agreed to become a Craftsy affiliate after several successful Craftsy experiences. With the exception of Sew the Perfect Fit, I have purchased all Craftsy classes and provide an honest class review and opinion.The compensation received will never influence the content, topics or posts made in this blog.
Laura Casey
Posted at 08:38h, 05 DecemberNew Sewing Room? Where are the pics! We need pictures where all the magic happens, please.
Laura@Waechter’s
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:44h, 05 DecemberLaura,
I post pics once the ‘decorating’ is done! ( window treatments etc…) 🙂 🙂
Laura H.
Posted at 08:57h, 05 DecemberCongratulations on your new sewing room – looking forward to seeing pics! I agree on the class you describe too – very helpful tips. Your RTW challenge is very enticing…working on getting the nerve to sign up!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:39h, 05 DecemberMany thanks, Laura! Don’t rush into a decision – over three weeks left to RSVP 🙂
Angela
Posted at 11:05h, 06 DecemberThat’s where I’m at – working on getting the nerve to sign up!
ewellons
Posted at 09:34h, 05 DecemberCan’t wait to see pictures of your “atelier”! You of all people deserve a fine place in which to hone her craft! I got the course you mentioned when Craftsy had their big sale. While I can’t say I learned anything new, it is always helpful to be reminded of things!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:41h, 05 DecemberDon’t get too excited – I’m just glad to have my mess behind walls now!
I must not know all of the basics like you, Cissie because I find the class very very helpful! One day I’ll reach your level 🙂
Lori
Posted at 09:47h, 05 DecemberOh, how exciting a sewing room, can’t wait to see it. I have put that sewing class on my list and will buy it after the holidays, sounds like a great one.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:50h, 05 DecemberThanks, Lori! It’s just what I need to keep my sewing from becoming sloppy. A good reference class for sure 🙂
Red Point Tailor
Posted at 09:54h, 05 DecemberWow! congratulations! You deseve great place 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:50h, 05 DecemberMany thanks!
Linda Richards
Posted at 09:55h, 05 DecemberI love Craftsy classes, what a great way to learn and on your schedule! My favorite class so far is Fast Track Fitting with Joi Mahon. It is a great class, Joi’s flat pattern adjustments make perfect sense and for the first time, I was able to fit myself in my hardest fitting areas! I highly recommend this to anyone who wants/needs to learn fitting techniques! Have fun sewing in your new room, I spend more time in my sewing room than any other room in the house!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:52h, 05 DecemberThank you, Linda for the tip on Fast Track Fitting! It’s on my list 🙂
Miriam
Posted at 10:11h, 05 DecemberOh I can’t wait to see pictures of your sewing room – I’m so jealous but so happy for you. Thank you for the little review of the 40 Techniques class, I put it on my wishlist.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:52h, 05 DecemberMany thanks, Miriam 🙂 It feels good to have my own room to sew in. 🙂
Barbara Kaye, The Apron Muse
Posted at 10:37h, 05 DecemberI signed up last week for the 40 Techniques class and in the first lesson on pressing, I was introduced to devices I had never heard of! Then as I moved along, Gail talked about fusible thread–WHAT??? Even the folks at Jo-Ann’s had not heard of this one! Just received some in the mail from Nancy’s Notions. Can’t wait to play with it. I’m in the middle of my holiday apron creations at the moment and having a ball! Enjoy your new sewing room!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:54h, 05 DecemberHi Barbara! I’ve always believed we are kindred spirits and it’s no surprise to me at all that you bought this class last week! I had never heard of the fusible thread either so please let me know how you like it 🙂 Many thanks for writing!
Barb Barna
Posted at 11:13h, 05 DecemberHow exciting- a new sewing room! My husband asked what I wanted for Christmas and that is exactly what I asked for . After years of sewing at the dining room table, or tucked in a corner of our bedroom, or in the basement furnace room, now it the time to move into the empty nest room 🙂 I have been designing it in my head for years! I am looking forward to your photos.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:56h, 05 DecemberOoh……. I hope you get your sewing room for Christmas, Barb! I have a feeling the room is my Christmas present too 😉
David
Posted at 11:23h, 05 DecemberI bought that class during their massive sale last weekend along with the carefree fly-front coat which I want to make for my friend. I think your “ah-mah-zing” Shanel suit inspired me!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:57h, 05 DecemberLOL! One of these days I’m going to buy every Craftsy sewing class offered. Good luck with the fly-front coat and many thanks for the comment, David!
Emmely
Posted at 12:28h, 05 DecemberLovely to have your own sewing room! Thank you for the review of that Craftsy class, I have been wondering whether it would be useful for non-beginner sewers and it sounds like it is!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:01h, 05 DecemberEmmely, Seeing how I am self taught in sewing clothes (with the exception of Jr. High Home Ec class and my week with Susan Khalje) I found this class extremely useful. On the other hand, E WELLONS , a very experienced sewist commented above that she didn’t learn anything new in the class. For me, it was just what I needed. 🙂
Emmely
Posted at 03:55h, 06 DecemberHi Sarah, I am also mostly self-taught and definitely still learning so I think it would be a useful class even if there are some things that I already know or. Like you, I often find it eye-opening to just see someone do something instead of only reading about it.
Ellen
Posted at 12:30h, 05 DecemberI also couldn’t pass up an opportunity and added this class during the Craftsy sale! It’s never too late to pick up some new tips & ideas!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:02h, 05 DecemberAmen, Ellen! It’s amazing how one small change can give a sewing project ithe professional look we’re seeking 🙂
Sharon
Posted at 12:42h, 05 DecemberI have taken over 15 sewing classes at Craftsy plus another 6 quilting not including the freebies. I am very impressed with their platform. I signed up for a class that turned out not to be what I thought, my fault since I didn’t read the intro, and Craftsy refunded my money, no questions asked. That alone made me a loyal customer. I think anyone would benefit from these classes. I have been sewing for over 45 years and professionally over 40 and have learned something valuable from every class. A hint though, wait for a sale. Be sure you get on the email list and also email lists at Vogue Patterns, McCalls Quilting, Threads and a few others because they will also send you discounts on classes. I have never paid over $19.99 a class.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:03h, 05 DecemberGreat advice, Sharon. Many thanks for passing along such helpful information 🙂 🙂
Carolyn
Posted at 13:03h, 05 DecemberCongrats on the new sewing room – can’t wait to see it! One of my long-term sewing goals is to have a dedicated room… too bad I need to buy a house first. 🙂 Best of luck in the 2014 RTW fast. I’m not quite ready to take the plunge but will be doing my best to keep up!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:05h, 05 DecemberLOL! I hope you get a sewing room one day, Carolyn and please cheer us on during the 2014 Fast 🙂
Beth
Posted at 14:38h, 05 DecemberMost jealous of your sewing room. I’m still waiting. I have taken classes from Gail in person and she is simply great. A fountain of information!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:06h, 05 DecemberMany thanks for the comment, Beth. Where does Beth teach?
Gayle
Posted at 14:38h, 05 DecemberWill you post a photo or two of your new sewing room? I would love inspiration to organize my own space!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:07h, 05 DecemberGayle, I will post photos after I address some decorating issues. It’s a little too bare bones to share with the world at this stage. I hope to have pics up shortly after Christmas 🙂
Vicki
Posted at 14:54h, 05 DecemberO love Craftsy classes and this one sounds interesting. I have been sewing for many years and you think you know it all but you do learn new tricks watching others. Also I think I will join in the RTW fast. I have been on it for a while but no sewing happening. Need to up the sewing mojo.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:20h, 05 DecemberWonderful, Vicki! Glad to have you on board. Regarding the Craftsy classes, since I am self taught in sewing clothes (with the exception of Jr. High Home Ec class and my week with Susan Khalje) I found this class extremely useful.
Sandra
Posted at 15:09h, 05 DecemberI have bought this class and I have found it really enlightening. I agree Sarah the section on pressing was great.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:21h, 05 DecemberI quickly learned that I over press EVERYTHING! Perhaps this is why I found this section so intriguing!
Lisa McMahan
Posted at 18:54h, 05 DecemberHope you enjoy your new sewing room! So nice to have a place dedicated to your hobby. I also purchased Gail’s class and truly got better the day I bought it and used her techniques.
Caty
Posted at 19:41h, 05 DecemberAgree wholeheartedly about ’40 techniques’ having just bought it myself and learned how to sew necklines with bias binding…
carolinascallin
Posted at 21:53h, 05 DecemberA new sewing room! You’ve earned it 🙂 Enjoy, and can’t wait until you show it off! Looking forward to seeing how you duplicate your Elsa top! It’s a favorite – would LOVE to sew it, but can’t quite settle on the right pattern. Can’t wait to see how you do it 🙂
Vanessa
Posted at 16:03h, 06 DecemberI signed up for this class too!!! I am all about learning how to sew better, and this class really delivers. Also, I have figured out that I am such a visual learner. With this online instruction video, I have a quick reference that easily walks me through what I want to know.
Sandra (Sewist-Stitch)
Posted at 07:13h, 07 DecemberOh a new sewing room – looking forward to seeing the pics 🙂 We no longer have a dining room because I have my sewing stuff set-up and it just doesn’t get put away, hehehe.
I was so tempted by the Craftsy sale but decided against it because it would just be buying because it was on sale and I should just get through what I have.
Cindy C.
Posted at 17:39h, 07 DecemberCan’t want to see your new citadel of creativity!
Angela
Posted at 13:09h, 09 DecemberAny idea when we get to see the finished sewing room? You have many readers eagerly waiting…. 🙂
Julie Starr
Posted at 16:04h, 11 DecemberI just watched the promo for 40 Techniques and could kick myself for not having bought it when it was on sale. It looks like great reinforcement of information I’ve picked up along the way in dribs and drabs but never really “learned”. I just finished the “Iconic Tweed Jacket” course and could not be more pleased with the quality of the class and instructor. I figure it can’t hurt to learn all I can in preparation for Susan’s workshop next year. I’m also eagerly awaiting the unveiling of your new sewing room. I am never happier nor more at peace when I’m in mine. Plus it’s nice to have the dining room back!
Alethia
Posted at 09:19h, 13 DecemberNothing like having a sewing studio! When I moved into my home, it had a separate living room, so I turned it into my sewing studio to be able to meet my clients and sew! Congratulations and I can’t wait to see pictures!!
Lucinda Veeck Gosden
Posted at 23:19h, 13 DecemberYay! A dedicated sewing room! We’re all anxious to see how you put it together. Congratulations – you so deserve it after all the hard work you’ve put into sewing. I’m getting windows installed next week in my attic sewing room, and can’t wait for some natural light.
P.S. I took Gail Yellen’s course on Craftsy and found it extremely useful. Liked her manner, as well.
Angela
Posted at 16:30h, 15 Decembersigh…. I check in everyday waiting to see this sewing room!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:31h, 16 DecemberI’ve got a little decorating as in window treatments etc…… before it goes up on the blog!
Stay tuned 🙂
Craftsy Class – 40 Techniques Every Sewer Should Know | One dabbles, Mrs Weaver.
Posted at 06:21h, 10 May[…] I read about this Craftsy class on the Goodbye Valentino blog. […]
Cora
Posted at 17:17h, 10 FebruaryDid you figure out how to duplicate the Elsa top? I’d love details!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:29h, 10 FebruaryNo I did not……………😬